At 116, the world's oldest woman, who attributed her longevity to two simple practices, has passed away.

Tomiko Itooka, a remarkable woman from Japan, celebrated her 116th birthday in May of last year. She was believed to be the oldest living person in the world, but sadly, she passed away on December 29th. The staff at her care home in Ashiya, Hyogo Prefecture, central Japan, shared the news of her passing.

Guinness World Records had officially recognized Tomiko as the world's oldest human in August of last year, after the previous title holder, 117-year-old Maria Branyas, passed away in Spain. Tomiko attributed her long and fulfilling life to her love for bananas and a Japanese yoghurt drink called Calpis. Her family also believes that her passion for hiking played a significant role in her longevity. At the impressive age of 100, she even conquered a mountain and had climbed the 10,062ft Mount Ontake twice. She was quite the athlete in her youth and was a skilled volleyball player during her high school years.

Tomiko was born in Osaka on May 23, 1908, and married at the young age of 20. She went on to have two daughters and two sons, according to Guinness. During the Second World War, she managed the office of her husband's textile factory. After he passed away in 1979, she lived alone in Nara. Her birthday celebrations were always filled with joy, as she was surrounded by her loved ones, a cake, flowers, and balloons.

The officials at Guinness were in awe of her lively spirit, which had made her so well-known. She had outlived two of her children and is survived by one son, one daughter, and five grandchildren. Her family and friends came together to say their final goodbyes at a touching funeral service.

Currently, the world's oldest person is 116-year-old Brazilian nun, Inah Canabarro Lucas, who was born just 16 days after Tomiko. On the other hand, the title of the world's oldest man belongs to 112-year-old Brazilian, João Marinho Neto. He took over the title after the previous holder, 112-year-old Brit John Tinniswood, passed away in Southport last November. Tomiko may no longer hold the title, but her remarkable life and memories will forever be cherished by her loved ones and the world.

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